argument from illusion

noun

An argument for the existence of sense-data, and thus a criticism of direct realism, according to which what we perceive (such as a stick that looks bent because it is viewed underwater) is distinct from the actual thing perceived (the straight stick).

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Meanings

nounargument from illusion (plural arguments from illusion)

plural arguments from illusion

  1. human sciencesAn argument for the existence of sense-data, and thus a criticism of direct realism, according to which what we perceive (such as a stick that looks bent because it is viewed underwater) is distinct from the actual thing perceived (the straight stick).
Cite this entry
APA

argument from illusion. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/argument%20from%20illusion

MLA

“argument from illusion.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/argument%20from%20illusion. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “argument from illusion,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/argument%20from%20illusion.

Source: argument from illusion on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.